First Presbyterian Church (San Luis Obispo, California)

First Presbyterian Church (San Luis Obispo, California), known better as FPCSLO, is located in downtown San Luis Obispo, California at 981 Marsh St on the corner of Marsh and Morror, catacorner to Barnes & Noble. Sunday services begin at 8:30 AM with a blended service, continue at 10:00 AM with a traditional service, and conclude at 11:00 AM with an emergent/contemporary service.

History

FPCSLO is an historic Presbyterian church founded in 1875 with eleven charter members. The church belongs to the Santa Barbara Presbytery within the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. The present church building dates from 1905 and is located at 981 Marsh Street corner of Morro Street in San Luis Obispo, California. The church is notable for its stone-clad facade, which has become a staple of downtown San Luis Obispo. These granite stones were quarried from the northwestern side of San Luis Obispo's Bishop's Peak. For the initial five years, property was purchased at the corner of Marsh and Morro streets and a small, simple church building was constructed. In 1884, this small church was replaced by a fine redwood church that seated nearly 200+ people and had stained glass windows and a bell tower. In 1904, this building was relocated to the lot next door where it functioned as a hall by the congregation and the community for over two more decades. The present sanctuary was then built on the corner using granite quarried from Bishop Peak in northwestern San Luis Obispo. It was completed on December 4, 1905. The Educational Unit (the Hart Building) was constructed and dedicated in February of 1929. A local journal observed that it was “…the first building, other than a church, to be devoted exclusively to religious education in San Luis Obispo…” The A. G. Wilson Fellowship Hall was built in 1987 and has been the center of church fellowship activities and it is also used for many community events.

Leadership

FPCSLO is currently led by Pastor Jim Blades along with Associate Pastor Andrew Rock. The Senior and Junior High ministries are run by Brian Gonzalez and Alissa Miller, respectively. April Rock directs the Children's Ministry. Front Porch, the college ministry, is directed by Beau Tanner Smith.

Relationship to California Polytechnic State University

Front Porch, (Presbyterians of Reasoned Christian Hope) is a ministry of the Santa Barbara Presbytery (PCUSA) in partnership with FPCSLO. Front Porch is directed by Beau Tanner Smith. While many participants are Presbyterians, many are not.